Perfluorinated compounds

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Perfluorinated compounds

What are Perfluorinated compounds(PFC)?

Perfluorinated compounds is known as an organofluorine compound that has all hydrogens being replaced by fluorine on a carbon chain. Also the molecule contains at least one different atom or functional group. PFC's have properties that make things stick-resistant and stain materials. PFC's persist in many things that you would not expect to find them. They are found in the environment known as persisten organic pollutants but unfortunately they are not known to improve by any natural processes because of the strength of the carbon-fluorine bond.

example:

File:Carbon-fluorine-bond-polarity-2D-black.png
File:Carbon-fluorine-bond-polarity-2D-black.png
external image 233px-Perfluorohexane.png external image 166px-Perfluoroisobutene.svg.png

Carbon-fluorine bond. perfuorohexane; a stable fluoroalkane liquid Perfluoroisobutene; a reactive and toxic fluoroalkene gas


How are we Exposed to PFC's?
PFC's have been released in large amounts in manufacturing facilities for many years and have been contaminating our foods and water. The two most found contaminants are perfuorooctanoic acid (PFOA), this is used to make Teflon Products, also Perfluorooctane sulfonate(PFOS), this is a breakdown product previously used to make Scotchgard products.

Where can I find PFC's?
  • Grease-resistant food packaging and paper products- ie. microwave popcorn bags and pizza boxes.
  • Cleaning and personal-care products such as shampoo, dental floss, and denture cleaners.
  • PFOA usedto make DuPont's Teflon products. (famous for usage in non-sick cooking appliences.
  • PFOS was used until 2002 in the manufacture of 3M's Scotchgard treatment (used on carpet, furniture, and clothing.)

Health Hazards and Concerns...

Researchers are finding serious health concerns about PFCs, including increased risk of cancer.
PFC's are extremely persistant. These are the following hazards to be aware of:
  • PFOA is a likely human carcinogen :causes liver, pancreatic, testicular, and mammary gland tumors in laboratory animals. Also PFOS causes liver and thryoid cancer in rats.
  • PFCs cause a series of other problems in laboratory animals, including liver and kidney damage, and reproductive problems.
  • The time it would take for PFOA’s to expel half of a dose into our bodies is estimated at more than 4 years. PFOS’s "half-life" is estimated at more than 8 years.
  • The Exposure to PFOA or PFOS before birth has been conected with lower birth weight in both animal and human researches.



Steps you can take to limit your exposure.

  • Avoid purchasing or, at a minimum, limit use of products containing PFCs.

  • Stay away from oily or greasy packaged including fast foods. (As the packages often has grease-repellent coatings.) Examples include microwave popcorn bags, french fry boxes, and pizza boxes.
  • Avoid stain-resistance treatments. Choose furniture and carpets that aren’t marketed as “stain-resistant,” and don’t apply finishing treatments such as Stainmaster to these or other items. Where possible, choose alternatives to clothing that has been treated for water or stain resistance, such as outerwear and sportswear. Other products that may be treated include shoes, luggage, and camping and sports equipment.
  • Check your personal-care products. (Avoid personal-care products made with Teflon or containing ingredients that include the words ”fluoro” or ”perfluoro.” ) as mentioned earlier, PFCs can be found in dental floss and a variety of cosmetics, including nail polish, facial moisturizers, and eye make-up.
  • Avoid Teflon or non-stick cooking appliences. If continue using non-stick cookware, be careful to not let it heat above 450ºF. Don't leave the non-stick cookware unattended on the stove, or use in hot grills or ovens. Dispose products if non-stick coating show signs of deterioration.